Discussion on Translational Research: Challenges and Solutions

This discussion post delves into the complexities of translational research, focusing on the difficulties encountered in bridging the gap between basic clinical research and the implementation of novel therapies and diagnostics. It highlights issues such as failures in drug delivery, co-morbidities, and adverse medication effects, as well as the divide between laboratory breakthroughs and clinical application due to the complexity of basic science. The post suggests strategies to address these challenges, including information-based approaches, clinician-based engagement, and active system-based improvements. It concludes by emphasizing the need for reward systems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge exchange to motivate professionals and enhance the translation of clinical knowledge into practice.

Running head: TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Discussion post
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Introduction- Also referred to as translational medicine, the term translational research
encompasses the effort of building on basic clinical research, for the formulation and
implementation of novel therapies, diagnostics, or medical procedures. This discussion will
elaborate on the difficulties associated with translational research, and will further connect them
with current practice settings.
Discussion- The researcher described translational research as the procedure that helps in
passing knowledge along a transitional pathway, for improving community based healthcare and
wellbeing outcomes, by utilising basic sciences. Hence, generation of knowledge at one end
helps in informing clinical activity at the other. The researcher also focused on the difficulties
that are encountered during dissemination of the knowledge to clinicians, which commonly
include failure in drug delivery, co-morbidities, and adverse effect of medications (Davidson
2011, p.909).
Clinical scientists commonly refer to laboratory based professionals who are held
accountable for analysing physiological samples and interpreting the results of diagnostic
evaluations. Lower proportion of clinical scientists was considered responsible for the gap that
existed between applications of clinical information. This can be accredited to the fact that
complexity in basic science approaches often make them withdraw themselves from laboratory
breakthroughs, followed by their increased participation in clinical work. Another potential
reason can be the continuous tension between relevance of human trials against rigour of animal
trials also acts as barriers. Some of the major strategies that can be adopted for addressing this
gap is condensation and summarisation of information-based approaches with systematic reviews
and meta-analysis, adoption of a clinician-based approach, and active system-based approach.
The information-based approach would facilitate transfer of evidence between clinicians. In

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contrast, the clinician-based approach would enable participation of clinical scientists in
academic practices, and the active system-based approach would help in recognition of
healthcare domains that lack evidence-based practice, thus facilitating translational research
(Milne 2014).
Conclusion- To conclude, there is a need to implement the reward and recognition
process in translational research that will motivate the professionals to implement authentic
clinical knowledge in practice. Development of interdisciplinary collaboration will also prove
crucial in offering distinct types of expertise, and providing opportunities for knowledge
exchange.

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References
Davidson, A., 2011, ‘Translational Research What Does It Mean?’, Anesthesiology: The Journal
of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, vol.115, no.5, pp.909-911.
Milne, D.L., 2014, ‘Towards an evidence-based approach to clinical supervision’, Wiley
international handbook of clinical supervision, pp.38-60.